Homicide in sports: A look back

In light of the recent attention on Aaron Hernandez, here's a look at crime in the sports world.

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On June 26, 2013, New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested and charged with the shooting death of an acquaintance near his home in Massachusetts. He has not admitted guilt and is awaiting prosecution. The team immediately cut ties with him.

In light of the recent attention on the crime, here's a look at homicide scandals in the sports world over the years. less

On June 26, 2013, New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested and charged with the shooting death of an acquaintance near his home in Massachusetts. He has not admitted guilt and is awaiting ... more

Middleweight boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter was released after his second homicide conviction for two 1966 homicides was overturned. A federal judge wrote that the prosecution was "predicated upon an appeal to racism rather than reason, and
concealment rather than disclosure."

The case inspired a 1975 Bob Dylan song titled "Hurricane," and a 1999 feature film staring Denzel Washington. less

Middleweight boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter was released after his second homicide conviction for two 1966 homicides was overturned. A federal judge wrote that the prosecution was "predicated upon an appeal to ... more

Even though he was acquitted, no list of sports-related homicides would be complete without O.J. Simpson. It's up to you whether or not you believe he killed Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Lyle Goldman in 1994. less

Even though he was acquitted, no list of sports-related homicides would be complete without O.J. Simpson. It's up to you whether or not you believe he killed Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Lyle ... more

Photo: SAM MIRCOVICH, AFP/Getty Images

Even though he was acquitted, no list of sports-related homicides... Photo-4844995.65368 - GreenwichTime

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Sixteen years after tossing a lateral in The Play, former Cal football player Mariet Ford was convicted of murdering his wife, four-year-old son and unborn child. He is not eligible for parole until 2036. Ford maintains his innocence. less

Sixteen years after tossing a lateral in The Play, former Cal football player Mariet Ford was convicted of murdering his wife, four-year-old son and unborn child. He is not eligible for parole until 2036. Ford ... more

Photo: Jerry Telfer, STAFF

Sixteen years after tossing a lateral in The Play, former Cal... Photo-4845037.65368 - GreenwichTime

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Rae Carruth

Rae Carruth of the Carolina Panthers was convicted for conspiracy to commit murder in the 1999 shooting of a woman pregnant with his child.

Van Brett Watkins, Carruth's friend who did the actual shooting, was sentenced to not less than 40 years in prison. Carruth got a little over 24 years. less

Rae Carruth of the Carolina Panthers was convicted for conspiracy to commit murder in the 1999 shooting of a woman pregnant with his child.

Van Brett Watkins, Carruth's friend who did the actual shooting, was ... more

Photo: Mitchell Layton, Getty Images

Rae Carruth of the Carolina Panthers was convicted for conspiracy... Photo-4844996.65368 - GreenwichTime

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Chris Benoit

Over a three days in 2007, professional wrestler Chris Benoit murdered his wife Nancy and son Daniel, before taking his own life.

Over a three days in 2007, professional wrestler Chris Benoit murdered his wife Nancy and son Daniel, before taking his own life.

Photo: George Napolitano, FilmMagic

Over a three days in 2007, professional wrestler Chris Benoit... Photo-4844997.65368 - GreenwichTime

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Steve McNair

In 2009, former Ravens quarterback Steve McNair was shot and killed by a woman named Sahel Kazemi, with whom he was having an affair. Kazemi subsequently committed suicide.

In 2009, former Ravens quarterback Steve McNair was shot and killed by a woman named Sahel Kazemi, with whom he was having an affair. Kazemi subsequently committed suicide.

Then there's the strange case of San Francisco Giants' infield prospect Angel Villalona. The top prospect was accused of murder in his native Dominican Republic, but charges were dropped for a lack of evidence after Villalona reportedly paid the victim’s family $139,000. Villalona joined the Giants at spring training in February 2013. less

Then there's the strange case of San Francisco Giants' infield prospect Angel Villalona. The top prospect was accused of murder in his native Dominican Republic, but charges were dropped for a lack of evidence ... more

Photo: Lance Iversen, The Chronicle

Then there's the strange case of San Francisco Giants'... Photo-4218701.65368 - GreenwichTime

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Oscar Pistorius

In 2013, South African Oscar Pistorius, a double-amputee known for his use of "blades" on the track, shot and killed his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius claims that he shot Steenkamp in error, believing she was an intruder, and is awaiting trial. less

In 2013, South African Oscar Pistorius, a double-amputee known for his use of "blades" on the track, shot and killed his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius claims that he shot Steenkamp in error, ... more

Photo: Foto24, Getty Images

In 2013, South African Oscar Pistorius, a double-amputee known for... Photo-4844999.65368 - GreenwichTime